Best Camera Settings for Northern Lights Photography (with Real Examples)
Capturing the northern lights is a dream for many photographers — but without the right camera settings, it’s easy to miss the magic. In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly how to photograph the northern lights, from setting your camera to the perfect ISO and aperture, to choosing the best locations and gear. Whether you’re shooting with a DSLR or mirrorless camera, these tips will help you bring home aurora shots that truly glow. Camera settings for Northern Lights Photography 1. Manual Mode & RAW Format: Ideal Camera Settings for Northern Lights 2. Focus 3. Aperture 4. ISO 5. Shutter Speed 6. White Balance 7. Additional Tips Camera Settings Cheat Sheets for Northern Lights Photography Setting Recommended Range Notes Mode Manual (M) Full control over exposure File Format RAW Best for post-processing flexibility Focus Manual, set to infinity Set during daylight for accuracy Aperture (f-stop) f/1.4 to f/2.8 (or up to f/4) Wide aperture to maximize light intake ISO 1600 to 3200 (up to 6400 if needed) Adjust based on brightness and noise tolerance Shutter Speed 1 to 30 seconds Shorter for fast auroras, longer for faint White Balance 3000K to 5000K or Auto Adjust for natural colors Stabilization Off (use tripod) Prevent blur from camera shake By starting with these settings and adjusting ISO and shutter speed based on the aurora’s brightness and speed, you can capture stunning northern lights photos. Shooting in RAW and manual mode gives you the flexibility to adapt to changing conditions and bring out the best colors and details in post-processing. Real Photo Examples: Camera Settings for Northern Lights Essential Gear and Camera Settings for Northern Lights Photography Camera A DSLR or mirrorless camera with full manual control over aperture, shutter speed, and ISO is essential. Full-frame cameras are preferred for better low-light performance and less noise, but crop sensor cameras can also work. Lens A fast wide-angle lens with a wide aperture (f/2.8 or wider) is recommended to capture broad landscapes and maximize light intake. Focal lengths between 14mm and 30mm for full-frame cameras, or 10mm to 25mm for crop sensors, are ideal. Tripod A sturdy tripod, preferably carbon fiber to reduce vibration, is necessary to keep the camera stable during long exposures. Remote Shutter Release or Timer To avoid camera shake when pressing the shutter button, use a remote shutter release or the camera’s timer function (e.g., 5-second delay). Extra Batteries Cold temperatures drain batteries quickly, so bring at least 3-5 extra batteries. Memory Cards Have sufficient memory cards for multiple long-exposure shots. Use high-speed, high-capacity cards (e.g., UHS-II SD cards). Optional Accessories Best Locations to Photograph the Northern Lights Iceland: Alaska, USA: Sweden: Canada: Norway: Greenland: Other notable locations: Orkney Islands in Scotland and various remote northern areas with dark skies and low light pollution. Best Time to capture northern lights Season: Late August to mid-April is the general northern lights season. The lights are not visible during the bright summer months (May to July) due to sunlight. Peak Viewing Months: Time of Night: Weather Considerations: The journey doesn’t end after you capture the perfect aurora. Let your photos live on in a professional gallery. With Zno Gallery™, you can easily create a personalized photography site to showcase your work — whether it’s a one-time adventure or part of your portfolio. From shooting under arctic skies to presenting your work professionally, every step matters. So grab your gear, adjust your settings, and get ready to chase the lights. Related Articles
